An Italian carved giltwood mirror, Venetian, circa 1730

with a shaped cresting with stylised fountain, scrolls, trelliswork, fruit-filled baskets and lambrequins, with a later rectangular plate within a lambrequin border with mirrored sides and apron, the whole carved with lambrequins, military trophies, drapery, vases and acanthus

In overall good conserved condition. The gilding is slightly darker and more golden, natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Attractive detail to carving. Some scattered minor age cracks and construction cracks which can easily be filled or left as visible in the catalogue photograph. The gilding is slightly worn on the moulding surrounding the plate as visible from the catalogue photograph. Some very minor chips and restorations to carving. The mirror plate is later.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Edi Baccheschi, Mobili Laccati Del Settecento Veneziano, Vol. II, Milan, 1966, p. 61. 

This mirror is spectacular for the quality of its virtuoso carving and gilding and is typical of the inventiveness and exhuberance of Venetian mirrors.

The  profuse carving surrounding not only the mirror plate but also the border makes this one of the most intricate examples of its type. Carved martial trophies can be found on a number of recorded Venetian mirrors, symbolising the Venetian War with the Turks in the 18th century, (see Baccheschi, op. cit., p. 61, for a mirror of similar quality with military trophies, similar pierced trelliswork and a lambrequin carved cresting).

Another related mirror with military trophies  and trelliswork and exhuberant carving sold in these Rooms, 14th June 2000, lot 9. Also see a related mirror incorporating martial devices, sold in these Rooms, 16th June 1995, lot 50.